As New York City was receiving its first snowfall of the season, the Glendale Merchants Association celebrated its annual tree lighting ceremony at the Veterans Triangle on Sunday evening.

Since 2000, Glendale has been holding an annual tree lighting ceremony at the triangle, at the intersection of Cooper and Myrtle avenues.

At the event this year, hot chocolate and donuts were served while Joe Fuoco provided musical accompaniment to local children who sang holiday classics under the protection of an easy-up shelter, as more than 100 locals swayed and played in the falling snow.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley encouraged the crowd to stay safe as winter weather sets in and to “shop local,” adding, “Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

Glendale resident Sandra Davis said that this was her family’s sixth year attending.

“We first heard about it through the Cub Scouts,” said Davis, pointing to her son Anthony, who was enjoying the music and snowfall with his younger sisters Olivia and Maggie. “We’ve been coming ever since.”

After the tree was lit, children and their families formed a long line that wrapped around the entire Veterans Triangle, where they anxiously awaited their turn to sit with Santa Claus and receive a free stuffed animal.

Jayden Jimenez, 7, was happy to meet Santa Claus, and said that he asked Santa for a Playstation 4 so he can play his favorite game, Call of Duty.